Friday, July 16, 2010

Dual citizenship

July 16, 2010

Mr Pradip Nepal

Former Minister of Communication, Water Resources and Education

Pradip Nepaljee

Thanks for responding to my email so expeditiously. I also thank you for reminding me to "think in our national interest" (as if I needed to be reminded!). If you have studied my articles closely you will be able to discover that I always write with national interest in at the top of my mind (or at the core of my heart), including my article on dual citizenship which I hope you had time to read.

My analysis throws light on the fact that those who already are sending their money (by way of remittance) don't need dual citizenship and those that need dual citizenship aren't in a position to invest much in Nepal. That is why they talk of contributing intellectually, when cornered, as if those choosing to stay here, notwithstanding all the difficulties they have to face here, aren't contributing intellectually. When pinned down about quantum of investment in concrete terms they start to talk about their love for Nepal.

Therefore, I urge you to do an in-depth analysis and also closely read my article and start the discourse.

I am not against giving them what they want. But we should give it to them for the right reasons. Expecting investment from those in need of dual citizenship will be like chasing mirage. If we were to decide to give it to them let's just give it to them and not create problems for them with expectation of investment of huge amount from them which will not be forthcoming. I am prepared to be corrected if you find my logic wanting.

My citing Indian example is based on my analysis that they too haven't been in favor of dual citizenship for similar reasons I have described above and the Indians involved in this decision must have arrived at that particular decision after keeping Indian national interest at the center. We too should decide about it with out national interest at the top.

Ratna Sansarji,
We should think about our national interest. It's my belief. What India do in his interest, they know. If NRN confirm their dual citizenship, they bring investment and we need huge investment.
Thank you.
Pradip

I have read your article on the captioned matter yesterday with interest. I also generally agree that Nepali diasporas, in principle, should be granted right to dual citizenship.

However, anything as such should be decided on the basis of ground reality which happens to be a lot different than what people perceive; not just on emotional grounds. I have noted that you too have tried to assess the quantum and magnitude of investment that could be attracted by granting the facility to NRNs. But the reality with respect to this too is diametrically opposite of what people generally believe. The most serious problem is related to Nepali diasporas in India and whether a tiny country like ours will be able to sustain it when even India has yet to grant similar facility to NRIs.

I welcome your comments such that we could initiate a discourse which will help GoN formulate a concrete plan.